How Powerwall Works
Powerwall gives you the ability to store energy for later use and works with solar to provide key energy security and financial benefits. Each Powerwall system is equipped with energy monitoring, metering and smart controls for owner customization using the Tesla app. The system learns and adapts to your energy use over time and receives over-the-air updates to add new features and enhance existing ones.
Models of Powerwall
Powerwall is a rechargeable home battery system that can be installed with solar.
Powerwall 3 and Powerwall+ are designed for owners installing a new solar and storage system. Solar systems are integrated directly into the Powerwall, for higher efficiency and more compact installation with solar inverters included. Powerwall 2 is designed to be added on to existing solar systems and is compatible with all major inverter brands.
| Powerwall 2 | Powerwall+ | Powerwall 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Energy Capacity | 13.5 kWh1 | 13.5 kWh1 |
13.5 kWh1 Additional energy capacity with Powerwall 3 Expansion |
| On-Grid Power | 5 kW continuous | 7.6 kW / 5 kW continuous | 11.5 kW continuous |
| Backup Power |
7 kW peak 106A LRA motor start Seamless backup transition |
9.6 kW / 7 kW continuous 22kW / 10kW peak 118A LRA motor start Seamless backup transition |
11.5 kW continuous 185 LRA motor start Seamless backup transition |
| Scalable | Up to 10 units | Up to 4 units |
System expansion available anytime 40.5 kWh max addition per unit |
| Size and Weight |
45.3" x 29.6" x 5.75" 251.3 lbs |
62.8" x 29.7" x 6.3" 343.9 lbs |
43.5" x 24" x 7.6" 287 lbs |
| Inverter | X |
Solar-to-grid efficiency 97.5% 4 solar inputs with Maximum Power Point Trackers |
Solar-to-grid efficiency 97.5% 6 solar inputs with Maximum Power Point Trackers |
| Installation |
Floor or wall mounted Indoor or outdoor -4°F to 122°F Water and dust resistance |
Integrated inverter and system controller -4°F to 122°F Water and dust resistance |
Integrated inverter and system controller -4°F to 122°F Flood and dust resistance2 |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
With Powerwall 3 Expansion
Powerwall 3 Expansion is designed for Powerwall 3 owners looking to extend backup duration at a reduced cost. Each Powerwall 3 Expansion unit provides 13.5 kWh of additional energy capacity and can easily be installed with your Powerwall 3.
With Solar
When the sun rises, solar begins powering the home. When additional power is required for the home, the home can pull it from the utility grid.
Powerwall is charged by solar during the day, when solar panels are producing more electricity than the home is consuming. Powerwall then stores that energy until the home needs it, such as when solar is no longer producing at night, or when the utility grid is offline during a power outage. With Tesla, when your Powerwall system changes status, such as the utility grid going down or offline, you can expect to receive notifications from the Tesla app.
When the sun comes out the next day, solar recharges Powerwall so you have a cycle of clean, renewable energy.
Without Solar
If your electricity rates vary throughout the day, Powerwall can charge when your utility’s electricity costs are low and discharge when electricity costs are high, generating automatic savings. Powerwall will also provide seamless backup power by detecting grid outages and automatically becoming the home's main power source.
Without Backup
When Powerwall+ is installed by itself with a non-backup configuration, it fully operates when the grid is active but does not provide power when there is a grid outage. Owners can use the power they generate with solar at night, export energy at peak prices and participate in the Tesla Virtual Power Plant.
Note: Non-backup is not currently supported for Powerwall 2 and Powerwall 3.
| Modes | Powerwall+ configured with Backup Gateway or Backup Switch | Powerwall+ configured without backup |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Powered | ✓ | ✓ |
| Time-Based Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual Power Plant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backup Reserve | ✓ |
| Features | Powerwall+ configured with Backup Gateway or Backup Switch | Powerwall+ configured without backup |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Rate Plans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Storm Watch | ✓ | |
| Off-Grid Vehicle Charging | ✓ | |
| Go Off-Grid | ✓ |
| Impact Cards | Powerwall+ configured with Backup Gateway or Backup Switch | Powerwall+ configured without backup |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Powered | ✓ | ✓ |
| Solar and Energy Value | ✓ | ✓ |
| Solar Offset | ✓ | ✓ |
| Time-of-Use | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backup History | ✓ |
Learn more about Powerwall modes and available features.
Future Backup Upgrades
A non-backup system can be upgraded to include backup features later using Backup Switch. Reach out to your installer about the outlook for upgrading to a backup system.
Note: Californian utilities are expected to approve Backup Switch for residential homes by 2024.
1 See Powerwall Technical Specifications for more details.
2 Flood resistant up to 2'